Miami Heat: Can this group of misfits go a long way?

Can this Miami Heat team of misfits surprise the Eastern Conference top dogs in time for the NBA playoffs? Do they stand a chance?

On paper, this Miami Heat team doesn’t stand out. At least not among the top contenders in both conferences. In fact, compared to the Philadelphia 76ers, most casual NBA fans would prefer the lineup combo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid over any duo from the Heat roster.

It’s funny what a midseason turnaround will do to that mentality. Standing fourth in the Eastern Conference and two games behind the reigning conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers, this scrappy Heat team has made an improbable run to contention.

Going 7-3 in their last 10 games, a combination of athleticism and perfect adjustments has improved the Heat’s position from a once mediocre team fighting for the last playoff spot two months ago.

So what exactly has changed during their jump from 10th to fourth in the East?

Major credit falls to head coach Erik Spoelstra for finding the right balance in their adjustments. This team hasn’t been 100 percent all season long and even with plagued injuries, the Heat have managed to stay afloat in their tasks defensively and offensively.

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Of course, not all the credit can fall on the coach, as these gritty young players have stepped up when called upon. That is rare to find with basically a newly formed team lacing up their first year together.

When Hassan Whiteside was sidelined for over 14 games with a bruised knee, rookie Bam Adebayo took over as a starter and displayed superb athleticism and hustle, leading to effective transition plays defensively. As a starter, he averaged 8.2 points and 6.6. boards in 26 minutes per game. What stood out from this rookie was his impressive fitting to their playbook.

He wouldn’t budge on pump fakes and kept his grounded footwork in place instead of making early jumps causing fouls. That kind of basketball IQ is hardly seen from first-year players. Not to say it hasn’t happened before, but draft steals like Bam definitely get noticed by defensive teams.

Heat fan favorite Wayne Ellington has also been a major reason for this adjustment period, taking over Rodney McGruder‘s position on both ends. While McGruder’s defense goes unmatched compared to Ellington, he has definitely made up for it on the offensive end, transforming into a reliable 3-point threat that has meshed well with this Heat culture.

Ellington is currently averaging 11.2 points per game on 42.1 percent shooting. The 30-year-old is closing in on 40.6 percent from the 3. This new Heat threat is tied for ninth in the NBA in 3-point attempts, sharing company with the league’s elite marksmen.

Even G League call-ups Derrick Jones Jr. and Derrick Walton Jr. have spaced the floor nicely when tasked with that job. It all goes back to great adjustment moves by the staff and the players learning to acclimate.

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There is still a little under half a season to go, but this Heat team can honestly look forward to an exciting end to the year. Hopefully with a healthy Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson and Rodney McGruder back in time for the playoffs (if they maintain this position), this group of misfits and under-the-radar names can make a splash or two come April.